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Sokolov Bratva #1
Savage Boss
A marriage forged in blood…
Ever since she was a child, Alexandra Volkin was raised to be a mafia Queen. But when her husband-to-be is murdered—on their wedding day—her fiance’s oldest son, Viktor, claims her as his own. Not because he wants her. But because he wants to break her.
He suspects Alexandra’s father of the murder and he’s going to rip the truth from her lips.
One brooding look from Viktor is enough to make Alexandra’s heart race, but he also possesses a dark side that terrifies her. She has to prove her father’s innocence. And if that means seducing her ruthless new husband, so be it…
The marriage was supposed to be a ruse, but Viktor can’t help but admire his beautiful, stubborn wife. He needs to keep her close—very close—so he can uncover the truth and avenge his father. The problem is, she’s tearing down his walls. And in Viktor’s world, emotion is weakness. Fear is power.
He’ll break her before he gives in.
Ever since she was a child, Alexandra Volkin was raised to be a mafia Queen. But when her husband-to-be is murdered—on their wedding day—her fiance’s oldest son, Viktor, claims her as his own. Not because he wants her. But because he wants to break her.
He suspects Alexandra’s father of the murder and he’s going to rip the truth from her lips.
One brooding look from Viktor is enough to make Alexandra’s heart race, but he also possesses a dark side that terrifies her. She has to prove her father’s innocence. And if that means seducing her ruthless new husband, so be it…
The marriage was supposed to be a ruse, but Viktor can’t help but admire his beautiful, stubborn wife. He needs to keep her close—very close—so he can uncover the truth and avenge his father. The problem is, she’s tearing down his walls. And in Viktor’s world, emotion is weakness. Fear is power.
He’ll break her before he gives in.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2023
111 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Bella Ash
22 books70 followersBella Ash is a dark mafia romance author. She loves writing dark, alpha heroes who find themselves obsessed with their strong, sassy heroines. Her stories are filled with action, suspense, steam—plus captivating anti-heroes and the woman who can’t help but learn to love them.
To you, dear reader, she promises intense emotion, edge-of-your-seat action, and always and forever an HEA that will leave you satisfied and smiling.
Bella lives with her family in Chicago and loves to go on old Mafia tours to find as many little tidbits to use for her books as possible. When she’s not writing, she loves to spend time with her handsome hubby, go to Broadway shows, or drink way too much dark coffee.
To you, dear reader, she promises intense emotion, edge-of-your-seat action, and always and forever an HEA that will leave you satisfied and smiling.
Bella lives with her family in Chicago and loves to go on old Mafia tours to find as many little tidbits to use for her books as possible. When she’s not writing, she loves to spend time with her handsome hubby, go to Broadway shows, or drink way too much dark coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
January 12, 2023
I get Alexandra is only 22 but her character was very naive and childish. And I just never felt that connection between her and Viktor even when they finally worked through their "issues". There was really no character building either. I was intrigued with the story line, but I didn't really care for the characters and didn't really feel their chemistry pulled you in so for me this fell flat.
January 16, 2023
It was short and enjoyable
January 14, 2023
Bella Ash has written a 5-star book. This is the story of Alexandra and Viktor. It is the day that Alexandra is to marry Boris. The arranged marriage her father set up. When she and her mother get to the church, she looks around for Boris but she doesn't see him. She hoped he wasn't running late for his own wedding. The murmurs around her from the guests stuttered to a stop and she looked up, expecting to see the groom. Instead, coming down the aisle was a younger man. He was headed toward her and when he got to her, she asked, "Where's Boris?" He tells her "Boris is dead." She looks at him in disbelief. "How?" He looked down at her and said "The agreement with my father was you were to be a virgin on your wedding night. Is that still the case?" She looks at him with embarrassment and said "Of course I am." "Then do not worry. There will still be a wedding." He takes her stiff hand in his and said, "As my father's eldest son, what was his now passes to me." She looks around and realized that this was real. Instead of marrying Boris, she was going to marry his son. He tells her to go and compose herself. Fix your makeup and meet me at the altar. Rather than wavering, Alexandra gave him a hard look. “I am composed,” she said. She kept her voice low and their conversation private. “Do you see tears in these eyes?” "Five minutes then." I won't repeat myself. When she gets to the altar, she finds out her groom's name is Viktor and he is not wanting to wait for the priest to go through the whole thing. He tells him to hurry up. When done, Viktor turns and walks down the aisle and tells her he doesn't have all day. When they get to his home, he leaves her and walks away. He goes upstairs to a meeting to discuss the death of his father. He wants to find out who killed him. Alexandra comes into the office and is not welcomed at first. Viktor ends the meeting and then takes her to the bedroom. He is different from what he was at the church. After he takes care of things, Roman knocks on the door and tells him he needs to speak with him. Viktor leaves Alexandra and goes to the meeting room again. What Roman tells him makes him mad. He goes back to Alexandra and gives her a hard time about her father killing his father. She tells him that her father thought of his father as a friend and would not have killed him. She wants Viktor to give her a chance to prove her father did not kill his father. Viktor tells her that they have proof of why her father would kill his father. Alexandra decides to prove that her father did not kill Boris. Things are not going well between Alexandra and Viktor. One wrong word and he goes cold toward her again. She finally gets her phone back and she calls her best friend Elena and wants her to set up a meeting with her. When they meet, Alexandra wants Elena to set up a meeting for her with Elena's father Uncle Tolya. The meeting with Tolya never happened and this upsets Alexandra. Viktor has decided to bring in Alexandra's father and tells her what he plans. She gets mad and runs out of the house and knows she needs to get to Tolya to learn the truth. Viktor goes to talk to Alexandra's father and finds out things are not what he thought. Now he needs to go and get Alexandra. Viktor is told that Tolya is the one that killed Boris. When he calls Roman, he is told that Roman had lost Alexandra. Viktor asks Alexandra's father where Tolya lived. When told, Viktor takes off to get Alexandra. When Viktor gets to the address, he tries to get Alexandra to come with him but she doesn't. She is about to knock on Tolya's door and he needs to stop her to keep her safe.
Will things between Alexandra and Viktor work out?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Will things between Alexandra and Viktor work out?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2022
For the people who think this book is a murder mystery it is not.
It’s a typical Mafia Romance where the MMC is kind of a sweetheart and loyal to his father to a fault, when he finds out that his Father was murdered he marries Alexa because his father was about to marry her. But what happens when he thinks it’s her father who killed his father?
She has always dreamt of being the Mafia Queen and was in Peace with getting married to Boris but then his son sweeps in and she finds him at the alter.
Figuring out the killer was easy so the story lacked there but their love was sweet…
It’s a no brainier quick read but this book had more potential
Thank you NETGALLERY for this ARC
It’s a typical Mafia Romance where the MMC is kind of a sweetheart and loyal to his father to a fault, when he finds out that his Father was murdered he marries Alexa because his father was about to marry her. But what happens when he thinks it’s her father who killed his father?
She has always dreamt of being the Mafia Queen and was in Peace with getting married to Boris but then his son sweeps in and she finds him at the alter.
Figuring out the killer was easy so the story lacked there but their love was sweet…
It’s a no brainier quick read but this book had more potential
Thank you NETGALLERY for this ARC
January 2, 2023
❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Mafia Romance that failed to move me in the chemistry department, but the story is passable and realistic.
The characters are genuine and have a good/ interesting relationship, but even though there are bedroom scenes they felt wooden and not much emotion, as did other areas of the story.
It’s a shame because it could have been very good.
Obviously this is just one opinion, I suggest you read a selection of reviews before making your choice.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
Mafia Romance that failed to move me in the chemistry department, but the story is passable and realistic.
The characters are genuine and have a good/ interesting relationship, but even though there are bedroom scenes they felt wooden and not much emotion, as did other areas of the story.
It’s a shame because it could have been very good.
Obviously this is just one opinion, I suggest you read a selection of reviews before making your choice.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
January 8, 2023
This is a well written Bratva story with strong characters in Alexandra and Viktor along with a strong secondary cast of characters. The author does a great job developing the story and bringing an interesting storyline. She fills it with drama and anxiety, suspicion and anger, hope and love. She brings the heat and does a terrific job building the tension between them. She moves the story fluidly with her vividly painted scenes and delivers an enjoyable mafia romance.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
January 14, 2023
Alexandra was supposed to marry Boris pakhan of the Bratva but as he was murdered his son Viktor married her . When her father is suspected of killing Boris she goes out of her way to prove he’s innocent putting herself in danger.
December 13, 2022
You know, this book was way less murder-y than I thought it would be.
Savage Boss is not so different from other mafia stories—an arranged marriage, the virgin bride, the reluctant groom, the horrible parents, and an inciting death or two.
That being said, this book was entertaining and immersive as hell.
It is fast-paced, making it a quick read. This leads to some less fleshed-out storylines and a lack of closure, but I don’t think it’s unsatisfying. You can pretty much guess where the story is going and what will happen, but predictability is not a bad thing.
Viktor is an asshole in a charming way. Even when he is cruel, he is considerate. The relationship between him and Alexandra is dysfunctional as hell. She is incredibly naive and childish; he is clueless and capricious. It’s a pairing that works well in mafia romances.
The implied cleverness of the characters is undermined by how oblivious they are. Their single-mindedness caused them to willfully ignore clues and weird behaviors. It was kind of frustrating but not unexpected.
I’ll definitely be continuing the series. I hope to see many more books featuring some of the side characters. I know there is one with Roman, an enforcer, and Elena, Alexandra’s best friend. I do hope to see Viktor’s brothers get their own books.
Something to note: The blurb is misleading and is an inaccurate portrayal of the story. It implies deceitful behavior from both characters toward each other that is not at all present. It also states that Viktor decided to marry Alexandra, suspecting her father murdered his, but that is not the case.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Relay Publishing for this copy of Savage Boss by Bella Ash.
Savage Boss is not so different from other mafia stories—an arranged marriage, the virgin bride, the reluctant groom, the horrible parents, and an inciting death or two.
That being said, this book was entertaining and immersive as hell.
It is fast-paced, making it a quick read. This leads to some less fleshed-out storylines and a lack of closure, but I don’t think it’s unsatisfying. You can pretty much guess where the story is going and what will happen, but predictability is not a bad thing.
Viktor is an asshole in a charming way. Even when he is cruel, he is considerate. The relationship between him and Alexandra is dysfunctional as hell. She is incredibly naive and childish; he is clueless and capricious. It’s a pairing that works well in mafia romances.
The implied cleverness of the characters is undermined by how oblivious they are. Their single-mindedness caused them to willfully ignore clues and weird behaviors. It was kind of frustrating but not unexpected.
I’ll definitely be continuing the series. I hope to see many more books featuring some of the side characters. I know there is one with Roman, an enforcer, and Elena, Alexandra’s best friend. I do hope to see Viktor’s brothers get their own books.
Something to note: The blurb is misleading and is an inaccurate portrayal of the story. It implies deceitful behavior from both characters toward each other that is not at all present. It also states that Viktor decided to marry Alexandra, suspecting her father murdered his, but that is not the case.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Relay Publishing for this copy of Savage Boss by Bella Ash.
December 29, 2023
Honestly? This was exactly what I was looking for when I picked this book up, which is why it's five stars. I wanted dark mafia. I got dark mafia. It wasn't too dark. In fact, I'll give Viktor credit that he actually had a complete one-eighty. I know some people might not like Alexandra because she didn't have many ambitions, but she obviously wanted to be the best at whatever she did. She also proved how smart and tenacious she was. Also, she fit in perfectly with the genre of the book. Again, it's what I was expecting when I picked up the book, and it's what I got. I really can't complain, can I?
Sokolov Bratva Series
-Review of Savage Boss (Sokolov Bratva, #1)
-Review of Brutal Loyalty (Sokolov Bratva, #2)
-Review of Deadly Knight (Sokolov Bratva, #3)
Sokolov Bratva Series
-Review of Savage Boss (Sokolov Bratva, #1)
-Review of Brutal Loyalty (Sokolov Bratva, #2)
-Review of Deadly Knight (Sokolov Bratva, #3)
December 22, 2022
I got a free copy from Netgalley all opinions are my own.
This book is a run of the mill arranged mafia book. It's fairly short and easy/quick to read.
Not much of a murder mystery, and it's almost an instant love/attraction situation.
Alexandra annoyed me, she is a naive, innocent airhead.
I usually don't mind those characteristics to much, but it got tiring really quickly for me.
Viktor is supposed to be this scary mob boss, but I felt like he was more talk than action. He just had his brother do the dirty work.
I wished that there had been some grovelling, and wished that she didn't forgive him so quickly. I find that weak and hate it.
Anyways I didn't really like this book, and I most likely won't continue with this series.
This book is a run of the mill arranged mafia book. It's fairly short and easy/quick to read.
Not much of a murder mystery, and it's almost an instant love/attraction situation.
Alexandra annoyed me, she is a naive, innocent airhead.
I usually don't mind those characteristics to much, but it got tiring really quickly for me.
Viktor is supposed to be this scary mob boss, but I felt like he was more talk than action. He just had his brother do the dirty work.
I wished that there had been some grovelling, and wished that she didn't forgive him so quickly. I find that weak and hate it.
Anyways I didn't really like this book, and I most likely won't continue with this series.
December 24, 2022
The story is a fast paced one. But this was just another typical romance mafia trope. Alexandra was too naive to my liking. I won't judge people's preferences of their partners but wouldn't she at least wonder why she was engaged to someone who's old enough to be her father? Actually I felt like so many things didn't connect. The characters were actually interesting but sadly they didn't recieve enough character development. Thank you NetGalley and Relay Publishing for the copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2022
Savage Boss is a fast-paced and entertaining mafia romance that doesn't end on a cliffhanger but definitely eludes to a second book involving secondary characters.
Alexandra has always dreamed of marrying a powerful mafia boss. When her father arranges for her to marry a much older Boris Sokolov, a Russian mafia boss, Alexandra is excited to begin her happily ever after. However, as she's about to walk down the aisle, she learns from Boris's handsome son, Viktor, that Boris has been killed. In order to preserve the arrangement that was agreed upon by both Alexandra's father and Boris, Viktor decides to marry Alexandra on behalf of his late father. Although the original plans have changed, Alexandra is ecstatic to be married to Viktor and continue her dreams of being a mafia boss's wife. Viktor, on the other hand, is not so keen on being married and is more focused on figuring out who murdered his father. As clues arise, Alexandra's father becomes one of the prime suspects in Boris's murder. When Viktor confronts Alexandra, things get tense as Alexandra refuses to believe her father would murder Boris and is determined to prove his innocence.
This book was a little fast-paced in my opinion. I would have liked for Viktor to not fall so quickly for Alexandra. His character had some traits of being a mafia boss but I felt he gave into Alexandra a little too easily. I think it would have been a bit better, for me personally, if Viktor would have been a bit more stoic or villainous before succumbing to Alexandra. I also really liked the secondary characters' interactions with each other, Roman and Elena. It is hinted that they may be the main characters of a second book. I would really love to read their story as their interactions intrigued me a bit more than Viktor and Alexandra. Overall, this was a good book and I would definitely recommend it to those that love the mafia or arranged marriage tropes.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Alexandra has always dreamed of marrying a powerful mafia boss. When her father arranges for her to marry a much older Boris Sokolov, a Russian mafia boss, Alexandra is excited to begin her happily ever after. However, as she's about to walk down the aisle, she learns from Boris's handsome son, Viktor, that Boris has been killed. In order to preserve the arrangement that was agreed upon by both Alexandra's father and Boris, Viktor decides to marry Alexandra on behalf of his late father. Although the original plans have changed, Alexandra is ecstatic to be married to Viktor and continue her dreams of being a mafia boss's wife. Viktor, on the other hand, is not so keen on being married and is more focused on figuring out who murdered his father. As clues arise, Alexandra's father becomes one of the prime suspects in Boris's murder. When Viktor confronts Alexandra, things get tense as Alexandra refuses to believe her father would murder Boris and is determined to prove his innocence.
This book was a little fast-paced in my opinion. I would have liked for Viktor to not fall so quickly for Alexandra. His character had some traits of being a mafia boss but I felt he gave into Alexandra a little too easily. I think it would have been a bit better, for me personally, if Viktor would have been a bit more stoic or villainous before succumbing to Alexandra. I also really liked the secondary characters' interactions with each other, Roman and Elena. It is hinted that they may be the main characters of a second book. I would really love to read their story as their interactions intrigued me a bit more than Viktor and Alexandra. Overall, this was a good book and I would definitely recommend it to those that love the mafia or arranged marriage tropes.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2023
This is the start to the Sokolov Bratva series I will say this hang on once you start you won’t put it down so gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love (ALL THINGS TO EXPECT FROM THE MAFIA WORLD). By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter! CAN’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED!!!!! Alexandra sweet but so naïve to the life her father lives she has been groomed to be the wife of a mafia boss but she was/still okay with marrying into the mob of course her father arranges for her to marry a man three times her age Russian Boris Sokolov and the day of her wedding the groom is murdered so his son who is much older than her agrees to honor the deal his father made marrying her. Viktor sexy as all get out son to the groom his father was okay with marrying the much younger women as she was an peace agreement but that day his father is murdered he agrees to honor the agreement but his is isn’t interested in marriage only finding out who murdered his father and the more he dig the more the evidence points to her father. So he confronts his wife of course she doesn’t really know the man her father is and adamantly defends him stands by his goodness, his innocence but will she learn the truth of the man she calls daddy, will she get the freedom she wanted so bad, will the things she find out force her to grow up face the truth, will Viktor learn to love her, will he protect her, and will they grow into their own happiness?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2023
3 1/2 stars
I was excited to read Savage Boss. Mafia romances are often my easy escapism and this one looked promising from the blurb. I did find it to be an enjoyable read but felt it had some unrealized potential.
Alexandra has been groomed since childhood to become a mafia wife. When her wedding day finally arrives, she is shocked to find out that not only has her groom been murdered, his eldest son, Viktor, plans to marry her in his place. But Viktor is cold and seems unconcerned with her and Alexandra's dreams suddenly seem very far away.
Viktor is the oldest son and new leader of the Russian mafia. He's concerned with finding his father's murderer while also trying to placate his new bride. Even though he married her spontaneously without really thinking through the ramifications, he's finding that he admires her strength and can't help but be attracted to her beauty. She's a complication he doesn't have time for and it doesn't help matters when her father becomes the prime suspect for his father's murder.
These two are thrown into an arranged marriage where they find they actually have chemistry but unfortunately there is underlying suspicion on Viktor's part about Alexandra's family. This pits them against one another and just like that their marriage becomes a type of battleground.
The book was relatively short. With a little more time spent on character and plot development, I think this book could have really been something special. As it was, I still enjoyed it because as I said earlier.....I'm a mafia romance fan.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
I was excited to read Savage Boss. Mafia romances are often my easy escapism and this one looked promising from the blurb. I did find it to be an enjoyable read but felt it had some unrealized potential.
Alexandra has been groomed since childhood to become a mafia wife. When her wedding day finally arrives, she is shocked to find out that not only has her groom been murdered, his eldest son, Viktor, plans to marry her in his place. But Viktor is cold and seems unconcerned with her and Alexandra's dreams suddenly seem very far away.
Viktor is the oldest son and new leader of the Russian mafia. He's concerned with finding his father's murderer while also trying to placate his new bride. Even though he married her spontaneously without really thinking through the ramifications, he's finding that he admires her strength and can't help but be attracted to her beauty. She's a complication he doesn't have time for and it doesn't help matters when her father becomes the prime suspect for his father's murder.
These two are thrown into an arranged marriage where they find they actually have chemistry but unfortunately there is underlying suspicion on Viktor's part about Alexandra's family. This pits them against one another and just like that their marriage becomes a type of battleground.
The book was relatively short. With a little more time spent on character and plot development, I think this book could have really been something special. As it was, I still enjoyed it because as I said earlier.....I'm a mafia romance fan.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
January 15, 2023
Alexandra is marrying Boris, a friend of her father's. Although he is 40 years older than her, she will do it for the good of her family. On the day of her wedding, as she arrives for the ceremony, she finds out that her intended has been murdered and she will be marrying instead, his son Viktor, who is now the new Pahkan.
Viktor had a lot on his plate. He is the Pahkan and has to re-assure others he is capable, find his father's killer and a new bride. Since there is chemistry between the two, the wedding night is fulfilled. The next day Viktor finds out his new wife and her family may have killed his father and he is furious. He confronts Alexandra and she denies the accusations telling him her father would never harm his father, his friend.
Alexandra has now met Pahkan Viktor, cold and unyielding. So different than the man she spent her wedding night with. She is determined to clear her father.
Viktor brings his father-in-law in to interrogate him and learns information on another. A nameless man had now been identified and he now realizes his wife is in danger....can he save her?
Will Viktor find out who killed his father? Will Alexandra be able to prove her father's innocence? And how will their marriage fare, will it be a marriage of hatred or have a chance to bloom?
I liked this book a lot. Viktor learns facts about his father that he never knew and would never expect. They shone a whole new light on his life as a child. Alexandra is a good match for Viktor and my only issue with her character was that for a virgin she seemed more experienced in seduction, no confusion, embarrassment that a less experienced woman might have.
Would I read more from this author? Yes I would!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Viktor had a lot on his plate. He is the Pahkan and has to re-assure others he is capable, find his father's killer and a new bride. Since there is chemistry between the two, the wedding night is fulfilled. The next day Viktor finds out his new wife and her family may have killed his father and he is furious. He confronts Alexandra and she denies the accusations telling him her father would never harm his father, his friend.
Alexandra has now met Pahkan Viktor, cold and unyielding. So different than the man she spent her wedding night with. She is determined to clear her father.
Viktor brings his father-in-law in to interrogate him and learns information on another. A nameless man had now been identified and he now realizes his wife is in danger....can he save her?
Will Viktor find out who killed his father? Will Alexandra be able to prove her father's innocence? And how will their marriage fare, will it be a marriage of hatred or have a chance to bloom?
I liked this book a lot. Viktor learns facts about his father that he never knew and would never expect. They shone a whole new light on his life as a child. Alexandra is a good match for Viktor and my only issue with her character was that for a virgin she seemed more experienced in seduction, no confusion, embarrassment that a less experienced woman might have.
Would I read more from this author? Yes I would!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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June 12, 2023DNF @ 7%
I honestly can't bring myself to continue. I love Mafia romances so you bet I can be picky as hell about them. And so yeah... The heroine in this one is unlikeable. I truly cannot wrap my head around a twenty two year old woman being HAPPY with her arranged marriage to a man forty years older. She was legitimately excited to marry him and take her place as his wife. Seemed to believe she could create a beautiful life out of this disaster and have a lovely marriage like her mother and father has.
Like, fine. You wanna be a Mafia queen in your own right and want to become a matriarch like your mother but...I didn't get it. It didn't work for me.
I mean yeah some of that excitement seemed centered around finally getting to move out of her parents home and have a life of her own finally. But still..
She seemed genuinely upset that her fiance Boris was dead and she'd be marrying his eldest son. Who she notes is very attractive and she'd usually be excited to be in such an an attractive man's presence. These were her thoughts when he told her to meet him at the altar in five minutes.
"It was so awkward. Her special day, the day she had been planning for her entire life, was ruined. She’d been promised to a man who was both feared and powerful, and now, she was to marry a boy—an inexperienced, short-tempered version of the groom that should have been hers. Dreams of becoming a powerful matriarch like her mother exploded like fireworks in her mind and then fizzled into darkness."
And considering what I read from other reviews it sounds like she was a naive idiot. Nor did this book sound remotely interesting from what little I read and what reviews said. So, hard pass.
I honestly can't bring myself to continue. I love Mafia romances so you bet I can be picky as hell about them. And so yeah... The heroine in this one is unlikeable. I truly cannot wrap my head around a twenty two year old woman being HAPPY with her arranged marriage to a man forty years older. She was legitimately excited to marry him and take her place as his wife. Seemed to believe she could create a beautiful life out of this disaster and have a lovely marriage like her mother and father has.
Like, fine. You wanna be a Mafia queen in your own right and want to become a matriarch like your mother but...I didn't get it. It didn't work for me.
I mean yeah some of that excitement seemed centered around finally getting to move out of her parents home and have a life of her own finally. But still..
She seemed genuinely upset that her fiance Boris was dead and she'd be marrying his eldest son. Who she notes is very attractive and she'd usually be excited to be in such an an attractive man's presence. These were her thoughts when he told her to meet him at the altar in five minutes.
"It was so awkward. Her special day, the day she had been planning for her entire life, was ruined. She’d been promised to a man who was both feared and powerful, and now, she was to marry a boy—an inexperienced, short-tempered version of the groom that should have been hers. Dreams of becoming a powerful matriarch like her mother exploded like fireworks in her mind and then fizzled into darkness."
And considering what I read from other reviews it sounds like she was a naive idiot. Nor did this book sound remotely interesting from what little I read and what reviews said. So, hard pass.
December 28, 2022
Really short and easy to digest, but didn't feel realistic for a Bratva book.
I get that the main plot point is the building romance between Viktor and Alexandra and the focus isn't entirely on the Bratva itself, but I read these stories in the hopes of getting a really juicy mafia romance with the hot, deadly mob boss who's only soft for the heroine. This didn't deliver here.
For one, Alexandra is too naïve. I understand innocence is part of her personality, but it was too much. She was brought up in the life. Her father is a mob boss himself but the woman doesn't know anything. She's got no sense of self-preservation, no self-respect, no self-worth. There truly is nothing wrong with wanting to be a wife and a homemaker and letting your man do all of the hard work, but Alexandra just let herself be a door mat. It was difficult to take seriously.
Also - she was excited about marrying a man forty years her senior? On what planet? That confused me.
Viktor was unrealistic, too. He is meant to be the boss of one of the most powerful Bratva's in the country, and he didn't do a lick of the dirty work himself. I get these guys have their enforcers, but he wasn't scary, he wasn't intimidating, he was just a weak-willed guy who couldn't control his impulses.
The writing was also immature and that was hard to get past.
It wasn't the worst book I've ever picked up but I don't think I'll be carrying on with the series.
I get that the main plot point is the building romance between Viktor and Alexandra and the focus isn't entirely on the Bratva itself, but I read these stories in the hopes of getting a really juicy mafia romance with the hot, deadly mob boss who's only soft for the heroine. This didn't deliver here.
For one, Alexandra is too naïve. I understand innocence is part of her personality, but it was too much. She was brought up in the life. Her father is a mob boss himself but the woman doesn't know anything. She's got no sense of self-preservation, no self-respect, no self-worth. There truly is nothing wrong with wanting to be a wife and a homemaker and letting your man do all of the hard work, but Alexandra just let herself be a door mat. It was difficult to take seriously.
Also - she was excited about marrying a man forty years her senior? On what planet? That confused me.
Viktor was unrealistic, too. He is meant to be the boss of one of the most powerful Bratva's in the country, and he didn't do a lick of the dirty work himself. I get these guys have their enforcers, but he wasn't scary, he wasn't intimidating, he was just a weak-willed guy who couldn't control his impulses.
The writing was also immature and that was hard to get past.
It wasn't the worst book I've ever picked up but I don't think I'll be carrying on with the series.
December 20, 2022
Thank you so much to the author and the publisher, Relay Publishing, for sharing an e-ARC of this dark mafia romance with me on NetGalley!!
Trigger Warning: violence, mafia, torture
“I’m finally getting married, and to a rich, powerful Russian mafia boss, too. My own happy ever after”
“And as my father’s eldest son, what was his now passes to me”
I don’t know if the most concerning part about me reading this book is the fact that it wasn’t an intense mafia romance or the fact that I truly liked it !!! A Russian mafia romance with arranged marriage, enemies to lovers and very very intense sharing of intimacy between Alexandra and Viktor. The possessive alpha male was there … all of it … and I was there too for it !!!
I actually really enjoyed it because of it !!!
The fact that they find ground between them in the most unexpected of ways was really intriguing. But most of all, I was completely interested in getting to know these female main character whose dream in life was marrying a mafia boss … I guess we all have our own ideas of happy ever after !!!
I believe that we still have many great things to expect from this series and I truly hope for a possible future between a certain best friend and a certain bodyguard !!!
“She was confident now that she knew how to win Vikot over. Seduction”
“I will let others know that my wife will be late to the meeting”
Trigger Warning: violence, mafia, torture
“I’m finally getting married, and to a rich, powerful Russian mafia boss, too. My own happy ever after”
“And as my father’s eldest son, what was his now passes to me”
I don’t know if the most concerning part about me reading this book is the fact that it wasn’t an intense mafia romance or the fact that I truly liked it !!! A Russian mafia romance with arranged marriage, enemies to lovers and very very intense sharing of intimacy between Alexandra and Viktor. The possessive alpha male was there … all of it … and I was there too for it !!!
I actually really enjoyed it because of it !!!
The fact that they find ground between them in the most unexpected of ways was really intriguing. But most of all, I was completely interested in getting to know these female main character whose dream in life was marrying a mafia boss … I guess we all have our own ideas of happy ever after !!!
I believe that we still have many great things to expect from this series and I truly hope for a possible future between a certain best friend and a certain bodyguard !!!
“She was confident now that she knew how to win Vikot over. Seduction”
“I will let others know that my wife will be late to the meeting”
January 4, 2023
3.5 stars.
FULL REVIEW:
https://aishasbookworld.wordpress.com...
Alexandra and Viktor are a great couple. The biggest asset of this book, actually. They’re equals in stubbornness, courage and loyalty. Their differences between them make the other a better person. On the other hand, they have great chemistry. They’re instant combustion when they’re together. And their sex scenes are the burning pages type.
That said, I didn’t say this is a dark mafia romance as it should be. Let’s just take the three words separately. Romance? Yes, the book fulfilled the genre’s parameters. Mafia? Yes, it has the essentials, after all: an arranged marriage, a virgin bride, an alpha male, and a murder in the process. But I think the empire Viktor inherited from his murdered father should be better developed. There weren’t enough elements to get the whole picture. And Dark? I don’t see it here. A couple of violent scenes doesn’t mean this book could be described as dark. Not even a Gray romance. Maybe if this book were tagged as an Erotic Mafia Romance, it would be another story. Hey, this author can write great sex scenes!! Also, the reading pace is perfect, with a decent dose of intrigue in it. And the scenes flow naturally.
I received a free copy of this book by the author via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
FULL REVIEW:
https://aishasbookworld.wordpress.com...
Alexandra and Viktor are a great couple. The biggest asset of this book, actually. They’re equals in stubbornness, courage and loyalty. Their differences between them make the other a better person. On the other hand, they have great chemistry. They’re instant combustion when they’re together. And their sex scenes are the burning pages type.
That said, I didn’t say this is a dark mafia romance as it should be. Let’s just take the three words separately. Romance? Yes, the book fulfilled the genre’s parameters. Mafia? Yes, it has the essentials, after all: an arranged marriage, a virgin bride, an alpha male, and a murder in the process. But I think the empire Viktor inherited from his murdered father should be better developed. There weren’t enough elements to get the whole picture. And Dark? I don’t see it here. A couple of violent scenes doesn’t mean this book could be described as dark. Not even a Gray romance. Maybe if this book were tagged as an Erotic Mafia Romance, it would be another story. Hey, this author can write great sex scenes!! Also, the reading pace is perfect, with a decent dose of intrigue in it. And the scenes flow naturally.
I received a free copy of this book by the author via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Bella Ash for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I don't think I have ever read an arranged marriage novel where the female actually wanted to do it for her family. Especially to a man much, much older than herself. Luckily that is not how this one turned out for her.. In this novel Viktor does really care about Alexandra, you can see it in the small subtle things he does. However, he is a straight up ass with his emotions set to bipolar. So while the novel was very *Spicy*, it was also very easy to know what was coming next.
I do think there are a couple things missing from this novel and that Alexa gets stuck in her head too much.. . Viktor gets mad at her for the simplest things that could have been totally avoided if "house rules" were laid down, which to me makes sense for a man of that type of power. Her being 100% in love with him even though he is an ass right off the bat drove me insane. How do you love someone who treats you like that? Also, it is never completely solved.. You learn who did it, but there is no justice, no answer as to why they were framed, it is just a big incomplete cliff hanger that still leaves all characters in danger.
So while the storyline was well planned out, the execution could have been better. This would be a good soft mafia read for anyone looking to dip their toes into the genre. My personal opinion is that it is too soft for a mafia novel, no one is even shot at..
I don't think I have ever read an arranged marriage novel where the female actually wanted to do it for her family. Especially to a man much, much older than herself. Luckily that is not how this one turned out for her.. In this novel Viktor does really care about Alexandra, you can see it in the small subtle things he does. However, he is a straight up ass with his emotions set to bipolar. So while the novel was very *Spicy*, it was also very easy to know what was coming next.
I do think there are a couple things missing from this novel and that Alexa gets stuck in her head too much.. . Viktor gets mad at her for the simplest things that could have been totally avoided if "house rules" were laid down, which to me makes sense for a man of that type of power. Her being 100% in love with him even though he is an ass right off the bat drove me insane. How do you love someone who treats you like that? Also, it is never completely solved.. You learn who did it, but there is no justice, no answer as to why they were framed, it is just a big incomplete cliff hanger that still leaves all characters in danger.
So while the storyline was well planned out, the execution could have been better. This would be a good soft mafia read for anyone looking to dip their toes into the genre. My personal opinion is that it is too soft for a mafia novel, no one is even shot at..
January 29, 2023
In this book Alexandra was poised to marry Boris a much older mafia man. Although she wasn’t sure about Boris she was willing to marry whoever her parents wanted her too. On her wedding day she discovered that Boris had been killed and that she would now be marrying his younger son Viktor. Alexandra was attracted to and curious about Viktor. Viktor wasn’t the most receptive groom since he had just discovered that his father had been killed. Alexandra was abandoned in her new home while Viktor and his men discussed and plotted behind closed doors. Alexandra wanted a good marriage and she was determined to be a good mafia wife so she decided to seduce and cajole her new husband away. He eventually joined her and they began to discover each other. The couple was intimate and Viktor began to open his mind to accepting his new wife until he heard that his father had been killed by Alexandra’s father and that there was a good possibility that she knew all about what had transpired. Will Alexandra be able to prove her innocence? Will Viktor destroy the beginnings of their good marriage with rumors? This was a great story with some good action and some steamy moments.
March 9, 2023
Rearranged arranged marriage.
Alexandra has been looking forward to being married since she was young. It's actually refreshing to have the mafia bride be happy about her arrangement.
Her big day is finally here, and even though the man she is to marry is a friend of her father's and 40 years older than her, she is fully prepared to be the good mafia wife she was raised to be.
Just as she is about to walk down the aisle, she is pulled aside by a handsome younger man and told that Boris is dead and she is to marry him instead. That man is Boris's oldest son Viktor who will also be taking over his father's role as pakhan. Shocked and confused, she was rushed down aisle, said "I do," got her ring and was rushed out of the church. She was devastated at not getting a ceremony or reception or anything. But she knew that no matter who she was married to, she would be the dutiful mafia wife she is expected to be. And at least he is closer to her own age.
Viktor is now on the warpath to find his father's killer, this inconvenient wedding was just a bump in the road. There's a long list of suspects, could one of them actually be his new father-in-law?
Awesome read!
While this isn't necessarily
a cliffhanger, all questions are not fully answered in this book. I definitely want to read on in the series.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems)
Alexandra has been looking forward to being married since she was young. It's actually refreshing to have the mafia bride be happy about her arrangement.
Her big day is finally here, and even though the man she is to marry is a friend of her father's and 40 years older than her, she is fully prepared to be the good mafia wife she was raised to be.
Just as she is about to walk down the aisle, she is pulled aside by a handsome younger man and told that Boris is dead and she is to marry him instead. That man is Boris's oldest son Viktor who will also be taking over his father's role as pakhan. Shocked and confused, she was rushed down aisle, said "I do," got her ring and was rushed out of the church. She was devastated at not getting a ceremony or reception or anything. But she knew that no matter who she was married to, she would be the dutiful mafia wife she is expected to be. And at least he is closer to her own age.
Viktor is now on the warpath to find his father's killer, this inconvenient wedding was just a bump in the road. There's a long list of suspects, could one of them actually be his new father-in-law?
Awesome read!
While this isn't necessarily
a cliffhanger, all questions are not fully answered in this book. I definitely want to read on in the series.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems)
January 2, 2023
*ARC provided by netgalley*
This book would have thrived on Wattpad in 2016. Today however,I thought this book was very mediocre. I was bored by Viktor and his mood swings, even though I understand the reasoning as to why he had these mood swings, they made him seem more childish than 'dangerous alpha mafia boss'. I feel bad for saying this about Alexandra because I understand why she acts they way she acts, but she was so so so so annoying, immature, reckless, and naive. This is obviously because she has been raised solely for the purpose of being married off, and has never been valued for anything other than her virginity, but even though I understood why she did certain things, I still rolled my eyes at her every time. The "mystery" element to this book was horribly done. It was so obvious I genuinely laughed when the murderer was revealed. To conclude, don't waste your time on this book unless you enjoy whiny, naive fmc's, mmc's who have the emotional regulation skills of a toddler, and obvious mystery plots.
This book would have thrived on Wattpad in 2016. Today however,I thought this book was very mediocre. I was bored by Viktor and his mood swings, even though I understand the reasoning as to why he had these mood swings, they made him seem more childish than 'dangerous alpha mafia boss'. I feel bad for saying this about Alexandra because I understand why she acts they way she acts, but she was so so so so annoying, immature, reckless, and naive. This is obviously because she has been raised solely for the purpose of being married off, and has never been valued for anything other than her virginity, but even though I understood why she did certain things, I still rolled my eyes at her every time. The "mystery" element to this book was horribly done. It was so obvious I genuinely laughed when the murderer was revealed. To conclude, don't waste your time on this book unless you enjoy whiny, naive fmc's, mmc's who have the emotional regulation skills of a toddler, and obvious mystery plots.
February 20, 2023
Alexandra is from a Russian family and is preparing for her wedding day. She has dreamed of this day her whole life. As she's getting ready to walk out, a man comes and announces he will be marrying her. Viktor is a Russian mobsters son and agrees to marry Alexandra after his father is murdered. His father Boris was supposed to marry her. Alexandra's parents arranged for the marriage. Viktor is taking over his fathers business as pakhan. When Viktor learns that Alexandra's father owed Boris money, he is positive he is responsible for Boris death. He believes Alexandra is part of it and will destroy her father if its true. But Alexandra will stop at nothing to prove her fathers innocence.
I honestly didn't believe this would be as good as it was. Suspense. Explicit sex. Short but will keep you on the edge of your seat. Viktor was hot and cold. Alexandra was a little too naive and in my opinion a little spoiled.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *
I honestly didn't believe this would be as good as it was. Suspense. Explicit sex. Short but will keep you on the edge of your seat. Viktor was hot and cold. Alexandra was a little too naive and in my opinion a little spoiled.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *
June 6, 2023
I'm torn with a book that has good writing , but the characters don't always live up to the excellent of the writing.
I kept reminding myself that Alexandra was raised and expected to have a certain naïveté about the world in which she lives, yet she has no qualms about using certain tools, like seduction, to get what she wants.
Victor's humor makes him both an excellent and a frightening mafia husband in so many ways.
While I got the premise of why each party chose to engage in the classic Mafia family dance through the marriage, I needed more on the page to be more fully involved with the characters.
I do like the book overall as a series starter, but needed more to make Victor a full anti-hero in this work.
The writing is really good, and I definitely will read more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I kept reminding myself that Alexandra was raised and expected to have a certain naïveté about the world in which she lives, yet she has no qualms about using certain tools, like seduction, to get what she wants.
Victor's humor makes him both an excellent and a frightening mafia husband in so many ways.
While I got the premise of why each party chose to engage in the classic Mafia family dance through the marriage, I needed more on the page to be more fully involved with the characters.
I do like the book overall as a series starter, but needed more to make Victor a full anti-hero in this work.
The writing is really good, and I definitely will read more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 24, 2022
Rating: 3.5/5🌼
Publication Date: January 12th 2023
Author: Bella Ash
Review: This was my first book from Bella Ash and I enjoyed it. This was the first time that the female MC was excited about the arraigned marriage, it feels like you always see the FMC be forced into situations like this and if it’s not done right it can be very tasteless and hard to read. BUT I enjoyed this twist, I liked that she wanted to do it for her family and for herself. The story line was also easy to follow and stay interested with I read it in 1 day so that can answer your question if I liked it.
👎🏼: only thing I would say is the story between Alexandria and Viktor was good don’t get me wrong just some times were a little predictable but that is just me playing devils advocate.
I cannot wait for the second book in this series.
Publication Date: January 12th 2023
Author: Bella Ash
Review: This was my first book from Bella Ash and I enjoyed it. This was the first time that the female MC was excited about the arraigned marriage, it feels like you always see the FMC be forced into situations like this and if it’s not done right it can be very tasteless and hard to read. BUT I enjoyed this twist, I liked that she wanted to do it for her family and for herself. The story line was also easy to follow and stay interested with I read it in 1 day so that can answer your question if I liked it.
👎🏼: only thing I would say is the story between Alexandria and Viktor was good don’t get me wrong just some times were a little predictable but that is just me playing devils advocate.
I cannot wait for the second book in this series.
January 12, 2023
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG! This book had you on the edge of your seat with the twist and turns, suspense, danger, enemies, anger, pain, secrets, anger, and plenty more emotions throughout. The story was captivating and the characters were sensational. Alexandra has been looking forward to her wedding, she was to marry the Bratva Pakhan Boris he might be at least forty years old, yet she was going to make the most of it and she was happy to marry. The wedding day approached she was so excited until she was worried he hasn't turned up. Viktor has taken over as Pakhan he wanted revenge, he falsely accused the wrong people, can he find the right person or people.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG! This book had you on the edge of your seat with the twist and turns, suspense, danger, enemies, anger, pain, secrets, anger, and plenty more emotions throughout. The story was captivating and the characters were sensational. Alexandra has been looking forward to her wedding, she was to marry the Bratva Pakhan Boris he might be at least forty years old, yet she was going to make the most of it and she was happy to marry. The wedding day approached she was so excited until she was worried he hasn't turned up. Viktor has taken over as Pakhan he wanted revenge, he falsely accused the wrong people, can he find the right person or people.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2023
A fast paced story it’s starts out with the wedding of Alexandra Volkin to her fathers good friend mafia boss Boris Soklov. In walks his heir Viktor to announce his father has died and she’l marry him. Wow what a day thinking she’s marry a man forty years older than her to now marry a young handsome man in his prime. I loved how the story weave the mystery of who murdered Boris, Alexandra staunchly defended it father. The chemistry is so strong between them amazing and their loyalties divided. In the mafia world feeling are a weakness and as a new boss Viktor needs to show a strong front to his Bravta. Will he break her or will he discover how strong a woman she is, his perfect Queen?. I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2023
Alexandra was raise to be a mafia queen, she is about to married to a man the same age as her father. But her fiancé's oldest son comes to the church to tell he is dead and that she will be marrying him instead.
Viktor had no intention of marrying the woman intended for his father, until he saw her. Someone murdered his father and he thinks it is his father-in-law, could she be involved? He is determined for the culprit to pay, he is starting to hope his beautiful wife is not involved.
There is a lot of mistrust on Viktor's part, the pair have a lot of chemistry but he thinks it is part of the plan. Can Alexandra convince her husband that she is true to him?.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Viktor had no intention of marrying the woman intended for his father, until he saw her. Someone murdered his father and he thinks it is his father-in-law, could she be involved? He is determined for the culprit to pay, he is starting to hope his beautiful wife is not involved.
There is a lot of mistrust on Viktor's part, the pair have a lot of chemistry but he thinks it is part of the plan. Can Alexandra convince her husband that she is true to him?.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2023
Alexandra arrives at the church for her wedding to Boris, Mafia leader and so much older than her. Imagine the shock when his son Viktor announces his father has been murdered and he, Viktor will marry Alexandra instead.
The story moves along at a pace, who killed Boris? Is Alexandra involved? How will Viktor exact revenge for his fathers death?
Its a good starter book to a new series, we get to meet the supporting cast who undoubtedly will play a part in future books.
Alexa is not your typical mafia girl, she has some sass and feistiness about her. Can Viktor trust her or will she betray him?
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story moves along at a pace, who killed Boris? Is Alexandra involved? How will Viktor exact revenge for his fathers death?
Its a good starter book to a new series, we get to meet the supporting cast who undoubtedly will play a part in future books.
Alexa is not your typical mafia girl, she has some sass and feistiness about her. Can Viktor trust her or will she betray him?
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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